gopro lcd touch screen review quotation

This product is amazing and has drastically increased the usability of my GoPro Hero 3+ camera. When I first decided on the GoPro I didn"t think the lack of an LCD screen was a big deal but in reality it"s extremely hard to take good pictures or get well framed shots without it. This LCD screen is a MUST if you want those well framed pictures and video. Also, it makes using the product itself A LOT easier since you can access certain functioning using the touch screen. The only con I can think of with this product is the fact it increases the size and weight of the camera but that"s unavoidable anyway so not a big deal to me really. You will notice though that the angle you can have the camera at with the LCD screen attached is more limited than if you don"t use it while it"s mounted on a head strap, chest strap, etc. The new housing units that come with it are great as well. They still allow the camera to be used underwater while still keeping the touch functionality of the LCD screen which is amazing. A very well thought out product and a great price too. Another con though, which you should keep in mind, is that battery power is consumed at a much faster rate with the LCD screen. I recommend turning the brightness down to its lowest setting to minimize this effect on your battery life. Keep in mind though that recording in 1080p 60 FPS consumes battery power at a very fast rate whether or not you have the LCD screen attached. Using the LCD while recording in this high quality mode will make the battery drain even worse though so be sure to order several spare batteries. They are actually fairly cheap so I recommend having at least 6 batteries in total if you plan on recording all day in 1080p mode. If you are happy with 30 FPS then that will save you a lot of battery power so I recommend using that setting when utilizing the LCD screen.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black was the much anticipated follow up to the long line of GoPro cameras. While the GoPro Hero 9 Black obviously features the best specs of any other camera in the lineup, some people have been questioning whether the improvements made with this edition are enough to warrant its somewhat shocking price tag.

However, for serious adventure videographers, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is unparalleled. The camera shoots 5K video, like the Hero 8 Black, but in better detail. The electronic image stabilization featured in the GoPro Hero 9 Black also means that all of your video will come out smoother than ever.

It seems as though most of the initial problems with the GoPro Hero 9 Black, like the unresponsive rear touchscreen, were fixed with a firmware update that was released back in November, so you should be getting a wonderfully functional adventure camera if you buy it right now.

Since I’m going to talk a lot more about the GoPro Hero 9 Black features later on in this article, I thought it wise to simply list all of the new features for it right now.

This camera comes with a new live preview screen, a 30% longer battery life, and a battery that is more weatherproof so you can expect fewer issues when shooting in intense cold.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black build measures 71x55x33mm and weighs just 158g, or 5.6oz. If you’re accustomed to shooting with GoPros, then this may seem a little large to you. That’s likely because the camera now features two screens where it used to feature just one.

The 2.27” rear touchscreen is 16% bigger than the screen on the Hero 8 Black and the camera needed to be larger in order to fit it. In fact, just about everything with this camera is a little bit bigger. Even the buttons are larger.

One other change to the build of this camera is that it comes with a removable glass lens protector once again. I’m pretty sure GoPro just heard from enough angry photographers to realize taking this feature away in the first place was a huge mistake. This means that ND filters created by third parties should work with the camera again.

When it comes to the GoPro Hero 9 Black handling, a few people have mentioned their disappointment with the camera’s battery capacity. The battery should last around 2 hours, which is a few minutes longer than the Hero 8 Black’s battery. However, people have found that the GoPro Hero 9 Black has some issues with overheating during its run time.

If you’re going to be using this camera for low light shooting, then you should get familiar with its “night mode.” As can be expected of a GoPro, it’s not all that impressive and it does add a fair amount of noise to your video.

However, as noted earlier, there is a new video feature called “scheduled capture” which allows you to create video or timelapses at a certain time. So, you could set up your GoPro and it could record the night sky for you, without you needing to be there.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black price is currently listed as $400 on Amazon. But, as we all know, there are ways to get used camera gear for a huge reduction in price.

Since the GoPro Hero 9 Black was released in September of last year, people are already getting rid of their versions, either because they only purchased it for one single trip or because someone bought it for them as a holiday gift. Regardless, their loss is your gain.

You can purchase a used GoPro Hero 9 Black on MPB for a big price reduction. I just checked MPB a moment ago and there are not any GoPro Hero 9 Black bodies available right now, but since MPB rotates through hundreds of products everyday, you should keep checking back.

If you haven’t shopped with MPB before, then there are some things you should know about the company that I’ve outlined fully in our MPB review below.

MPB is one of my favorite used camera sites because you can directly exchange your old gear with them. For instance, if you have a GoPro 8, you can trade that in and use the credit you earn off of that sale to pick up a GoPro Hero 9 Black for even cheaper.

MPB also hires photographers to rate every piece of equipment that they buy. This means that MPB’s rating system is one of the most trustworthy in the industry. If the page says your GoPro Hero 9 Black is in “like new” condition, you can actually expect it to be barely used.

The Hero+ LCD"s price, on the other hand, does not say "entry level." At $300 in the US and £250 and AU$430 in the UK and Australia, respectively, this is a somewhat pricey camera for the category given what it can do. The $130 (£100, AU$169) Hero model is truly entry level in price and features. That"s a considerable price gap between it and the Hero+ LCD.

For one, you get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that can be used to connect to GoPro"s Smart Remote (not included), which basically replicates the camera"s controls so you can remotely change settings and shooting modes and start and stop recordings and take pictures.

The wireless is also used to connect to an iOS, Android or Windows mobile device to use GoPro"s app to control the camera and change settings as well as remotely preview and review your shots and transfer them to your device for sharing.

Beyond that, the Hero+ has a higher-resolution sensor -- 8 megapixels as opposed to 5 -- and instead of just a single 0.5-second time-lapse interval setting you get seven. You"ll also get a loop record feature, so you can more easily use this as a dash cam and it supports GoPro"s HiLight Tagging, which lets you quickly mark a section of your video for easier editing later on.

It does have that screen, though, which again isn"t something you"ll find from most of the competition. If that"s a must-have feature for you and you just need good-quality video for sharing online, your search is over.

That is, as long as you"re willing to put up with the rest of the Hero+ LCD"s design. Like the Hero, this camera is permanently in its rugged housing. Some might find this to be a plus since it means the camera can"t fall out and is always protected. However, since you can"t pull the camera out, if you damage the housing you"re not easily swapping it for a new one. While it can certainly handle a lot of abuse, if you manage to scratch the lens glass, you"re stuck.

Next to the screen are the microSDHC card slot supporting cards up to 64GB and a Micro-USB port. So what"s missing? The Hero lacks a Micro-HDMI port letting you playback directly from the camera to a display or HDTV. Not a huge loss, but still it"s a loss.

With its standard solid plastic backdoor, the housing is waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters). There is also a waterproof touch backdoor that"s good down to 10 feet (3 meters) as well as a skeleton door that lets more sound reach the built-in mic. External mics, by the way, are not supported on this model.

Shooting options are better than the Hero, but just barely. Video resolutions include 1080p at 60 frames per second and 720p at 60fps. There"s also a 720p at 60fps with GoPro"s SuperView feature, which basically takes 4:3 video and digitally stretches it at the sides so you get a taller 16:9 video. To help you out when you lose daylight, GoPro"s Auto Low Light feature can be turned on, dropping the frame rate so your video isn"t too dark when shooting in dim light.

The touchscreen is no doubt the easiest route and GoPro simplified navigation compared with the Hero4 Silver. Instead of swiping and tapping your way through menus, you just tap on the right side of the screen to bring up the mode menu, while the left side opens a context-sensitive menu related to what mode you"re in. One other nice addition: You can trim out 5-, 15- or 30-second clips or grab a still from a video on camera.

Of course, the more you use the touchscreen or wireless, the less battery life you"ll have for recording. Even with both of those off you"re looking at a maximum of 2 hours of continuous recording at 1080p at 60fps or up to 2 hours and 30 minutes set to 720p at 60fps in SuperView mode.

On its own, the video from the Hero+ LCD is very good and stands up to other models priced around $300 such as the Drift Ghost-S and Replay XD Prime X, though only the former has a live-view screen. Sony"s Action Cam Mini with its Live-View Remote is another option and is better in image quality and features, though it"s not as easy to use.

For casual viewing on a smartphone or tablet and posting to YouTube, you likely won"t be disappointed with what you get from the Hero+ LCD. As with most cameras in this category, when viewed at larger sizes you"ll see compression and motion artifacts and details are pretty soft and mushy. These things only get more pronounced when shooting in low light.

It"s pricey for its shooting options and performance, but the GoPro Hero+ LCD is also one of the few action cameras available with a built-in live-view screen. That"s a feature that"s tough to beat, especially if you"re looking to simplify your shooting experience.

Is GoPro really the best? Well, with the GoPro Hero 8, I don’t hesitate to bring a camera regardless of where I’m going. It can literally go anywhere: underwater, rain/snow, dust/dirt, etc. It’s so simple and compact that you don’t have to think about it!

There are only 2 buttons on the camera (power and record). This makes the camera dead simple to operate but it still retains a full menu of customization through the touchscreen on the back.

Another thing to note about the GoPro is the simplicity of operation. Because it only has one built-in fixed lens, it allows you to point the camera in a general direction and know that the camera will do its job to capture the scene. By design, everything past about 1ft (25cm) is in focus. The fixed wide angle lens does an excellent job of capturing big landscapes and making sure to capture the entire scene.

It has a touch compatible rear screen and it’s easy to use even when you’re in the water. The screen also has a handy lock function that prevents accidentally changing settings.

When it comes to action cameras, they aren’t really complete until you get a few mounting options. The magic of a GoPro is its durability, but what sets it apart is the ability to put it in unexpected places so you can get creative in ways that other cameras can’t match.

After reviewing a multitude of options, I think the most important mounts to consider are: a selfie stick, a chest or helmet mount, and a clamp/suction mount. With these three types of mounts you’ll be able to position your GoPro in a variety of places that will give you interesting perspectives.

There really isn’t much to think about when it comes to focusing. The beauty of an action camera like the GoPro Hero 8 is that is has a fixed focus that’s sharp from 1 ft to infinity all the time!

This incredible depth of field allows you to focus on framing and capturing the moment instead of worrying about whether things will be in focus. I really appreciated the simplicity of this feature on the GoPro Hero 8!

The GoPro Hero 8 offers the best available performance in its class of action cameras, but if you’re seeking excellent low light performance, I’d suggest looking for a camera that’s designed to shoot at high ISO.

The image quality of the GoPro Hero 8 exceeded my expectations. The JPEG images look incredibly sharp and vibrant, especially when viewed on a smartphone.

This review is mainly focused on using the GoPro Hero 8 for still images, but it would be incomplete if we didn’t look at the incredible video specs that it offers. Many people really enjoy both capabilities and I agree.

The GoPro video performance is incredible for the size of the camera. It offers top of the line image stabilization all while shooting 4k at a variety of frame rates.

What I loved about the video features on the GoPro is their simplicity and usability. Video amateurs will find out-of-the-box success while professionals will be able to make impressive shots by getting the camera into creative positions.

Additionally, I’m very impressed by the user interface design and streamlined workflow that comes with the GoPro app. I appreciate that GoPro is a forward-thinking company and I think other camera manufacturers should take a hard look at their model.

It’s awesome to see GoPro making the backend workflow so user friendly. Someday I’m sure we’ll all think it’s silly to have to offload memory cards to a computer and use a separate editing software to process/export images.

Another cool offering from the GoPro Hero 8 is the time lapse modes. You can easily create time-lapse or hyper-lapse videos with a very easy-to-use interface.

I found these modes similar to what’s offered on the iPhone but still fun to play with because of the wide angle field of view and durability of the GoPro.

Lastly, GoPro really upped the ante when it comes to customization. Their “mods” allow you to customize the camera to add an improved microphone, a flip-out LCD screen, and an LED light.

As I mentioned previously, I think a GoPro isn’t complete without the accessories to mount it. If you buy a GoPro, make sure you get a least a few different mounting options to make sure you can get the most out of its versatility!

At around $400, the GoPro Hero 8 is amazing value! It provides a unique perspective that’s difficult to replicate without a much more expensive camera setup.

In comparison with the DJI Osmo Action, the GoPro Hero 8 has some improved functionality/quality but the main feature it’s lacking is a front-facing screen (available with a “mod”).

If you’re looking for something to take selfies with or film yourself in a vlog style, the DJI Osmo Action may be a better buy, but overall the GoPro Hero 8 has better performance, features, and functions.

If you haven’t considered the GoPro Hero 8 worthy of your attention, I strongly encourage you to check it out. It’s great for creating photos/videos of action sports or sharing exciting moments on social media.

The world"s most versatile camera and the world"s most popular smartphone lineup join forces thanks to the official GoPro app for iOS. Built-in wireless connectivity, stunning picture quality and a stellar lineup of accessories make the GoPro Hero3+ camera an easy recommendation — Â one made only better by connecting it to an iPhone.

For this review, GoPro provided a $400 GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition, a 64-gigabyte Lexar microSDXC card, the Jaws Flex Clamp, a tripod mount, head mount, and visor clips. The Hero3+ Black Edition comes with a waterproof housing good up to a depth of 131 feet, a Wi-Fi remote control accessory, two quick release buckles, a curved and a flat adhesive mount, a three-way arm pivot, and a micro USB cable for syncing and charging.

Two lights are on the front of the camera: a blue one to show that Wi-Fi is enabled, and a red one to show when the camera is recording. Above the lights is a small grayscale LCD display that allows for menu controls and shows the camera"s current status and settings. Additional red recording indicator lights are also found on the top, back and bottom of the camera.

Finally, the back of the Hero3+ has a quick-access battery door, and an expansion port that allows users to attach the the LCD Touch BacPac and Battery BacPac accessories.

Without any attachments or accessories, the GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition weighs in at just 74 grams. The waterproof housing brings the weight up to 136 grams. The GoPro packs a lot into a tight space, and what"s on the inside may be even more impressive.

The GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition is capable of recording video in a wide range of resolutions and frame rates. At the high-end, it captures astonishing 4K video, but is limited to a maximum of 15 frames per second. Still, 2.7K video can be captured at 30 frames per second, while 1080p is available at 60 frames per second, 720p video can be saved at 120 frames per second, and lower resolution WGVA video can be captured at a massive 240 frames per second.

There are also advanced capture features such as GoPro"s "SuperView," which offers an ultra-wide angle perspective, "Auto Low Light," which offers better quality in poor lighting conditions, and "Protune," which delivers cinema-caliber video recorded at a movie-like 24 frames per second.

If this laundry-list of features doesn"t get the point across, the GoPro is an impressive camera. But what"s made it the industry leader in a crowded — and growing — action camera market is arguably its ecosystem of mounts, clamps, cases and other accessories that make GoPro arguably the most versatile consumer-grade camera available.

A GoPro is a camera that you"ll feel confident putting just about anywhere, and as a result it gives users the ability to capture some of the most amazing footage they"ve ever taken.

But with Wi-Fi built in to the GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition, and the official GoPro application for iOS recently updated with new features, we wanted our review to focus on how well the iPhone and GoPro play together.

The official GoPro app for iOS is a free download compatible with both iPhone and iOS. It was updated in October alongside the release of the new Hero3+ cameras to add compatibility and access to new features and functions.

When the app first launched in 2012, it offered connectivity with the GoPro Hero 2 model when matched up with the Wi-Fi BacPac accessory. Thankfully, starting with the company"s 2012 camera lineup and carrying over to this year, the top-of-the-line Black Edition comes with built-in Wi-Fi support, meaning there"s no need for any extra bulk to utilize the app.

Version 2.2 has been greatly improved over its predecessors, giving video preview capabilities in what GoPro refers to as "near real-time." The live video stream is now four times faster when connected to an iPhone 5 or newer.

As before, users can still use the app to also view photos and play back compatible videos, as well as copy those files over to the connected iOS device. Users can also manage their GoPro"s inserted memory card easily, deleting files on the camera to free up space.

To connect to the GoPro, users must find its Wi-Fi Direct network and connect via the iOS Settings application. Upon launching the GoPro app, users will be asked to rename their camera"s network and change the password. This requires a second connection through Settings, this time with the new network name and password. Once that"s set up, you"re good to go.

The official iOS app is what truly what makes the GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition with built-in Wi-Fi Direct connectivity a particularly interesting device for iPhone and iPad users. But how well does it work?

With Wi-Fi Direct enabled, users can launch the official GoPro app to access a variety of convenient features and functions. Some of this functionality is also available with an included remote control. The bulky-but-durable accessory remains small enough to fit on a keychain.

We can imagine plenty of situations where either the dedicated remote control or the iPhone app — Â or even the GoPro app for iPad — would be the ideal solution for a GoPro user. Like with the plethora of mounts, straps, cases and attachments for the GoPro camera itself, having options in how to activate the camera is a good thing.

Wireless control and adjusting settings via the official GoPro iPhone application are frankly much more intuitive and convenient. But obviously pulling out your expensive $600-plus iPhone may not be the most convenient or advisable way to control a sports camera, so the dedicated remote control is a welcome inclusion.

One thing the remote control cannot do, however, is act as a live viewfinder. And without the inclusion of a built-in LCD display (a touchscreen accessory attachment is available), this is a very valuable feature of the GoPro app for iPhone.

Part of what makes the GoPro such a success is its use of a fish-eye lens, which does a spectacular job of capturing the world around it. This makes it particularly difficult to have the camera at a "bad" angle when capturing footage.

With the GoPro app for iPhone, you can check and make sure your GoPro Hero3+ is positioned perfectly to capture what you want it to before you get moving. In one test, we had both our iPhone 5s and GoPro mounted separately to a bike. The GoPro was placed in an inconvenient location, so enabling recording via the iPhone was preferable. We were also able to use the viewfinder feature to make sure the camera was placed at an angle we preferred.

The viewfinder mode does have a bit of lag when showing live footage. However, we don"t view this as a concern, as users are unlikely to be looking at their phone or camera while skiing, skydiving, biking or any other activity the GoPro is meant for.

The greatest limitations with the official GoPro iOS application are related to Apple"s iOS itself. An iPhone or iPad simply cannot play back certain videos recorded on the GoPro, depending on the setting. So your 48-frame-per-second ski footage may look sharp when you transfer it to your Mac, but you won"t be able to preview it on the go.

Managing files on the GoPro is also a breeze, and we found that pictures and video transferred quickly to our iPhone 5s with little wait time. Once the GoPro was configured and in range, we didn"t experience any major issues with dropped connections.

If you make sure to record footage in an iOS-friendly format, the possibilities with the GoPro Hero3+ are nearly limitless. Apple"s iPhoto and iMovie are great on-the-go tools for making quick edits on either iPhone or iPad. That means there"s no need to use a dedicated SD card or USB adapter to transfer files.

And, of course, there"s still the ability to transfer the video files to a Mac, offering more robust editing capabilities and vastly expanded file support. The GoPro is all about options, and it continues to deliver in spades.

Having regularly used a GoPro Hero2, it"s hard to imagine going back after testing the Hero3+ Black Edition. It packs wireless connectivity and vastly improved picture quality into a much smaller and lighter frame. This is a superior product in every way.

If you"re new to GoPro and are considering a purchase, the Hero3+ Black Edition is an easy recommendation. Those who have an older model like a first-generation Hero or Hero2 will also be greatly pleased with the upgrade and should find it worthy. It"s a harder sell for any who own last year"s Hero3, as the slight improvements to picture quality are likely not enough to justify a $400 camera.

But the GoPro is a different beast entirely, a well-built device capable of being taken deep below the ocean or far into the sky — dangerous places where users will still have little worry that their expensive camera will survive the trip.

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.The Hero 9 Black is GoPro"s newest flagship camera, capable of shooting videos up to 5K and photos up to 20 megapixels.

GoPro"s new Hero 9 Black camera brings some big changes. It is using a new 23.6-megapixel sensor — the first sensor upgrade since the Hero3, in 2012. Its new battery offers 30% more power than its predecessor. While the form-factor is familiar, there is now a color LCD on the front that gives you a preview.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black has just two buttons: power (shown here) and shutter along the top. Below the power button is a redesigned mic that help to channel out water quicker.

The Hero 9 Black uses GoPro"s new "foldable fingers" mounting system to attach to the hundreds of GoPro accessories available. For everyday use, I prefer the Shorty tripod.

I was happy to see GoPro reengineered the battery compartment door. It"s removable, but it doesn"t pop off as easily as the Hero 8"s. The spring-loaded latch system makes it easier to open while simultaneously providing a strong seal against dust and water. If you leave it open — say, for charging or connecting to a computer — make sure you"re doing it in a safe and clean area.

The touchscreen on the LCD is larger than the Hero 8"s, but the size difference is hard to differentiate. I appreciate that it remains a good quality display that"s sharp, however. I found the touchscreen not as sensitive and responsive as previous Hero models with rear displays; GoPro said an upcoming firmware update should fix this issue.

One enduring complaint about action cameras is the short battery life. With the Hero 9, GoPro has extended battery life by 30% over the Hero 8 Black, thanks to a larger battery. GoPro says the battery holds up better in extreme cold. Depending on usage, that could get you up to at least 20-to-30 minutes more shooting time, and you don"t need to put the camera into an eco-mode to achieve this. GoPro says the battery holds up better in the cold.

Under the right conditions, GoPro cameras can capture very good-looking still photos. With the larger sensor, the Hero 9 can now shoot 20-megapixel photos, an increase from 12 megapixels in previous Hero models. This means larger photos with better detail and contrast; I didn"t notice any artifacts like purple fringing, which is something more common is very old Hero models.

Photography is an underrated feature in GoPro cameras. While the image quality may not be a drastic improvement over a smartphone, the ability to change the field of view and use the camera in rugged conditions make it far more versatile than a smartphone or even regular cameras.

Video, of course, is GoPro"s main draw. GoPro cameras have been capable of shooting 4K for some time, but the Hero 9 is the first to offer 5K at 30 frames per second. Again, this is made possible with the new 23.6-megapixel sensor. Besides higher-resolution video, the increased pixels let you grab a 14.7-megapixel still image from a 5K video.

I"ve been impressed with the video quality from the past few generations of GoPros, and the Hero 9 is no exception. Whether it"s 5K, 1080p, or time-lapse, the image quality is very good and motion is smooth. But you"ll definitely notice the sharper quality in a 5K video over 1080p. It"s not as noticeable if you"re posting to Instagram — it"s why I shoot mainly in 1080p — but more so if you"re watching it on YouTube on a TV. (Note that YouTube, Instagram, and most social networks apply some type of compression, so there will be a loss in quality that"s not the fault of the camera.)

With the Hero 8, GoPro introduced the concept of Mods, which are accessories that help enhance your shooting experience. These include a built-in directional mic with mic and HDMI ports (Media Mod), a flip-up LCD (Display Mod), and LED light (Light Mod). The Hero 9 offers the same accessories, however, with the exception of the Light Mod, they require a new purchase as the Hero 8 Mods are not usable with the Hero 9.

GoPro brought back the removable lens cover, which it ditched in the Hero 8 in favor of a fixed design. This allows you to attach the new Max Lens Mod, which provides a 155-degree ultra-wide view with low distortion and increased stabilization (Max HyperSmooth). The Max in the name derives from GoPro"s Max 360-degree camera, where the technology stems from.

The Max Lens Mod also lets you rotate the Hero 9 360 degrees while keeping the subject leveled (horizon lock) — in playback, instead of you spinning around in a circle, it"s the frame that spins around you while you stay still. I"m not sure how often people will use this function, but having seen the insanely awesome videos GoPro users have made, I wouldn"t be surprised if the answer is many.

GoPro recently introduced software that lets you use the Hero 8 as a webcam for Mac and Windows computers. That same software will also work with the Hero 9, so if you"re also in the market for a webcam, this is one high-quality alternative that works well with Zoom, Google Meet, and other popular web-based conferencing apps.

Operating a GoPro Hero has always been about simplicity and ease-of-use, and that continues to be the case with the Hero 9. Even though the hardware and functions have become more complex and diverse, to use it, all you need to do is turn it on and press the shutter button. Heck, you can even just hit the shutter and it"ll power up.

There are certainly far more features than before, but thanks to a larger touchscreen, you"ll find more on-screen buttons that give you direct access to often-used settings, as well as four that users can customize. The Hero 9 uses the same interface introduced in the Hero 8, which is designed to minimize tedious menu navigation to find what you need, like changing the focal point of view. Despite all these functions, it"s actually easier to use than something like the Hero3 and Hero4. With voice control enabled, which works really well, you can just tell the camera to start recording or take a picture.

No camera company has perfected the smartphone companion app like GoPro — period. The GoPro App pairs with the Hero 9 easily and quickly, and with it, I can control the camera, as well as download clips and photos to create shareable videos, all within the app. (Tip: The GoPro App is also what I use to quickly edit and create short videos from clips I shot with my phone and other cameras.)

Because I can now access so many of the settings easily from the Hero 9"s touchscreen, I don"t use the app as often to control the camera, as it requires a few minutes to pair and set up. But, for things like time lapses, when you need to control the camera remotely, or conduct a live-stream broadcast, the GoPro App is handy.

Normally, 4K and 5K files tend to be large and difficult to edit. Because GoPro is using HEVC compression, the files are manageable enough to be edited in the GoPro App. If you want to offload the footage to a computer for editing, it must support the HEVC format.

The GoPro Hero 9 Black is available now for $450. You can get it for $350 if you purchase the GoPro Subscription for one year. Normally $10 a month, the GoPro Subscription is a good deal: It includes a no-questions-asked replacement, discounts on GoPro accessories, cloud storage, and live-streaming through the service.

Despite the welcome hardware upgrades, the GoPro Hero 9 Black isn"t drastically new. Instead, it"s a camera that continues to refine by advancing what it has while throwing in a few new things — one that helps GoPro step out of its "action" category and into a standalone camera for everyday use. However, the camera still embodies the same spirit as its predecessors.

Perhaps we"ll see a totally different Hero camera in the future — you could argue that"s already here, with GoPro"s Max 360-degree camera — but the Hero 9 remains a camera that is fun and easy to use, while giving you features to do even more, if you want it to.

If you are a casual user who purchased a Hero 8 Black within the past year, you should hold off unless there"s a new feature you must have. While there"s a lot to like in the Hero 9 Black, the Hero 8 is still a terrific camera with many of the same features and shoots great-looking videos. Vloggers or anyone who likes to shoot videos of themselves may want to trade in the Hero 8 for the Hero 9"s front-facing LCD.

If you"re upgrading from an older Hero, it"s your first action cam, or you need a camera with more versatility and flexibility than a smartphone or DSLR, the Hero 9 should be on your shortlist. It"s not only full-featured and easy to use, but the seamless integration with the GoPro App and future-proofing specs, like 5K video, make this a good investment.

For those who want a GoPro alternative, there"s the DJI Osmo Action and Insta360 One R, both currently selling for less than the Hero 9. The Osmo Action is most like a GoPro Hero: It has two LCDs (front and back), reliable image stabilization, screw-on lens filters, and HDR video modes. The downside is a so-so app experience and it"s not as feature-rich as the Hero 8 or Hero 9.

The Insta360 One R is the most radical of the current crop of action cams. It uses a modular design that lets you turn an action camera into a 360-degree camera or a high-end camera with a large 1-inch sensor (both separate purchases). The LCD is tiny and it"s not as responsive as either GoPro or DJI, but it"s compact and incredibly flexible. If your main purpose for getting an action cam is to shoot high-quality video, however, you may want to stick with a GoPro or DJI.

Cons: Heavier and bigger than previous models, battery can get really hot, touchscreen not as sensitive or responsive (GoPro plans to address this with firmware update), not compatible with previous Mod accessories, mic input and HDMI output require optional accessoriesLes Shu

Les is the Deputy Editor for Insider Reviews primarily overseeing the Tech team, which includes reviews and explainers of consumer electronics, streaming, gaming, and entertainment products and services. Previously, he also led Insider Reviews" Style and Beauty, Tech and Electronics, Health, Fitness, and Outdoors, and Travel teams. He works with the Executive Editors on strategy for all of Insider Reviews. Previously, he was the editor of the many expert product buying guides that Business Insider and INSIDER recommend. In addition, he covers photography and printing products for the Tech section.

It’s been a long time coming but DJI has finally announced its own action camera to take on GoPro and other rivals. The Osmo Action has plenty of neat features making it a great option and we’ll explain all in our review.

A grey finish with a subtle texture is perhaps a deliberate choice to look a little different, as is the round lens cover in contrast to GoPro’s more square shape. The lens protector here unscrews which might seem a bit odd but means you can easily replace it should a mishap occur and you can buy neutral density filters to attach.

At the back is almost entirely a touchscreen and fairly chunky buttons on top are for power and shutter/record. A third button on the side labelled ‘QS’ stands for QuickSet and lets you cycle through the different modes. You can choose which ones are available via the software so, for example, you can just flick between the two you use the most.

The most interesting design feature of the Osmo Action is the display at the front. Although GoPro has one here, it just displays basic info. DJI has managed to fit a proper screen here so you can get a preview of what the camera sees.

As we mentioned, the Osmo Action has a pretty cool feature that we’ve not seen before. So as well as the rear screen – which is large 2.25in – there’s a smaller 1.4in display on the front.

Both screens are over 300ppi so they’re nice and crisp and offer a (quoted) whopping brightness of 750 nits so you’ll be able to see them even in bright light.

It means you don’t need to awkwardly peer at the rear screen or use the app to get your shot lined up nicely. Think of it like taking a selfie on your phone, where the screen is already facing you.

The detail on offer is both excellent, but it’s worth noting that the GoPro produced a slightly brighter result. Just bear in mind that DJI’s D-Cinelike profile creates a much more flat colour profile so looks a bit dull compared to the Hero 7 Black. It’s designed to allow you to edit better in post-production.

As mentioned, the rear screen is touch sensitive and we found the interface nicely intuitive to use. Without reading any manuals or the reviewer’s guide, we quickly go to grips with how pretty much everything works.

At the top is a menu for various settings like auto-rotate, screen lock and brightness. You can also switch the front screen between different modes. We thought this was for switching it on or off but it’s not.

Really that’s the only thing we couldn’t decipher without some help. You need to tap the rear screen twice with two fingers to alternate between the two displays. There’s no option to use both at once, should you want to.

You can even use voice commands to control the camera when it’s out of reach or using the app is inconvenient including ‘switch screen’ to, well, switch between the displays. You can also say ‘Shut Down, Take Photo, Start Recording and Stop Recording’, just bear in mind that you’ll hear yourself saying the latter.

This is not only cheaper than the GoPro Hero 7 Black, but offers some things you can’t even get from its main rival. That includes a proper front facing screen and HDR video recording. We love the design, the interface is intuitive and there’s excellent stabilisation.

It might not offer live streaming or a super wide angle view but we don’t think that will matter too much. If you’re after a high-end action camera then the Osmo Action ticks all the other boxes and it’s cheaper than the GoPro.

When you think of the best action cameras, you think of GoPro, right? Well, it"s true that GoPro leads the way for conventional action camera design, but while thebest GoPro cameras(opens in new tab)are pretty amazing, there are alternatives that are equally compelling in their own way. DJI, Insta360 and Akaso cameras offer features GoPro cameras don"t, or at prices, GoPros can"t match.

DJI is perhaps GoPro"s best-known rival, but certainly not the only one. There"s a lot of crossover in this market with other areas like the best 360º cameras, and the newly updated modular Insta360 One RS Twin Edition includes both an action camera module and a 360 module – it"s two cameras in one!

And while the GoPro Hero 11 Black takes the top spot in our list, don"t forget that GoPro keeps older Hero9 and Hero8 models on sale at reduced prices. Or, for a completely different take on the idea of "action" cameras, check out the amazing Insta360 Go 2, also on our list. We thought we"d also throw you a curve ball with the DJI Pocket 2. It"s not a rugged go-anywhere camera like a GoPro, but it"s a pocket-sized gimbal camera with stabilization, "follow" modes, and image quality way beyond what its size suggests.

Despite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with upgraded hardware and software, it"s a triumph on all fronts. The new, almost square sensor is supremely versatile, the camera"s software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro"s companion app, Quik has also been improved. With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and dark scenes, and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line.

The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line"s lowlight performance. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it"s upgraded GoPro"s offering in a meaningful way. Particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, nothing else can do quite what the 11 Black can.

Welcome to the newest and best GoPro around. Though launched without much fanfare and looking identical to the Hero9 Black in almost every way, the Hero10 Black is nevertheless a significant upgrade. That’s all down to its use of the all-new GP2 processor, which powers a speedy user interface, doubles the frame rates, and fuels the best image stabilization tech yet.

The highlight is 5.3K video with 60 frames per second, but don’t underestimate the usefulness of GoPro’s new HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization – in all modes – alongside 23MP photos and best-ever low-light performance. Add a nifty cable for super-quick camera-to-app content transfer and auto-upload of videos and photos to the cloud while it recharges and the Hero10 Black was worth the wait. It"s definitely not the cheapest action camera you can buy, but GoPro is now an expert at producing tough, reliable, and supremely effective action cameras, and you do get what you"re paying for.

Leading drone maker DJI forced a re-think for GoPro by introducing a front screen to their first action camera; a handy innovation for vloggers. The new Action 2 puts even more choice in the user’s hands, coming as a tiny 39x39mm square camera core that can be operated alone or attached (by a magnetic clip) to other units which offer more connectivity, battery life, and a front-facing screen. The camera has a 1 / 1.7” sensor and RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady image stabilization. Even paired, it is only around the size of a GoPro, though on the downside the rear touchscreen is only the size of the main camera unit. The modular system is strong and has immense gadget value (though can get a bit hot when charging), while DJI’s Mimo app makes control via your phone painless. There is an interesting new world of accessories (as well as adaptors for the traditional ‘GoPro’ style ones), making this a hard option to overlook.

Is the DJI Pocket 2 an action camera? Well, it"s not rugged and waterproof, but it"s pocket-sized, simple to operate, and does many of the jobs you might have bought an action camera for – and with superb stabilization, smooth "follow" modes, and flip-around selfie shooting. There’s also a handy ultrawide lens attachment that definitely drops quality, but adds a field of view. Despite some real highlights: shallower depth of field than expected and nippy focusing, not to mention great object tracking and color reproduction, noise handling isn’t a highlight on the Pocket 2. That aside, the convenience, versatility, and stabilization offered by the DJI Pocket 2 can’t be overstated. After all, nothing much can do all the things it can and still slip into a jacket pocket. You can even plug it into your smartphone and get big-screen control and playback via the DJI app.

GoPro’s first action camera to feature a vlogging-style front-facing screen is now better value than ever. It allows you to frame yourself while vlogging, when used as a webcam, or just for selfies. The resolution got a boost too, with 20 megapixel stills capability and a 5K video shooting. The latter will be overkill for many, but it also allows 14.7 megapixel grabs from video, which could be hard to resist.

It’s also got a larger 2.27-inch display than the older GoPro Hero8 Black, super-smooth Hypersmooth 3.0 video stabilization, TimeWarp 3.0 for handheld time-lapses, a travel case. There’s also a Max Lens Mod accessory that will bring GoPro Max(opens in new tab)-style features like 360º horizon lock and an ultra-wide 155º Max SuperView mode.

For most adventurers, the Osmo Action 3 is the perfect balance of quality and price. Stabilized 4K video looks great and the camera can take a lot – not just rough and tumble but temperature extremes. It isn’t cheap, but the RRP is comfortably less than a similar GoPro and won’t push you toward a subscription after 12 months.

while it is a little sad to see the modular design seemingly abandoned, the Action 3 is easier to manage and more capable. The only sacrifice is the larger size and weight, but even then it still has the GoPro beat.

If you’re looking for one of the best GoPro alternatives(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab) for all-round basic use then the Wolgang GA400 action camera (US$119.99 / £119.99) should be on your radar. Boasting 4K 60fps video and up to 20-megapixel stills, it appears to match its much pricier rivals both on resolution and by having a natively waterproof chassis. It’s loaded with accessories and easy to use yet it lacks some crucially important characteristics that flagship action cameras alone offer.

With good quality, if imperfect, 4K video and good 20MP stills, the GA400 makes a great alternative to one of the big brands of action camera if you’re after results a level below the cinematic quality offered by the leading action camera brands. At this mid-range level, the build quality is excellent and the touchscreen is responsive while the onscreen menus are intuitive and easy to use.

If you need a front screen for vlogging - or to ensure you stay in the shot as you film yourself skiing down a slope with a selfie stick – then this is a bargain buy. It has the same killer feature found on the GoPro Hero 9 and the DJI Osmo Action, but the second screen comes at a fraction of the cost. You get 4K shooting and 20-megapixel stills - plus a capable 6-axis image stabilization system. There is a good range of accessories in the box too - including a second battery, mounts, and underwater housing. Note, though, that unlike with many rivals you need to use this housing before you take your action cam into the water.

It’s now over two years old, but if you’ve no need for 5K or a front-facing screen, the smaller, lighter GoPro from 2019 could be perfect for you. Like many camera makers, GoPro keeps older models on sale at reduced prices, giving users a range of price points.

It costs under £100 or $100, about a third of the latest GoPro. But is it any good, and how does it compare to the latest GoPro Hero 8 and more importantly an older GoPro Hero 5 which you can pick up second hand for not much more.

If you want to mount it without the housing it comes with a lightweight frame with the standard GoPro two-fingered mount system that will fit to any included accessory as well as a massive amount of GoPro and third party accessories. This does make these budget cameras very versatile.

And the front has the glass 170°, f1.8 lens and an LED that lights red when recording video. Unfortunately there’s no front LCD screen to show current settings.

Turning on Boot Recording automatically starts a recording when you turn the camera on. But unlike this setting on GoPros, stopping recording doesn’t automatically turn the camera off.

The electronic image stabilisation is also more effective in brighter conditions but worked better than I was expecting. It’s better than the GoPro Hero 5 which has very basic EIS. But as you’d imagine it’s nowhere near the impressive image stabilisation of the latest GoPro Hero 8.

For mountain biking I had the GoPro Hero 5 and Apeman A100 on a chest mount. It was a pretty miserable day, very overcast and raining. Shooting in 4K, 50 fps with EIS on, the camera didn’t do too badly. The stabilisation works pretty well but the video is quite soft. The more effective stabilisation does make it look better than the GoPro Hero 5 though.

Running is often one of the harder tests for an action camera and the results were variable. I tried lowering the resolution to 2.7K with a slightly lower frame rate of 30 fps to try and let more light in and to match the GoPro Hero 5 which doesn’t support EIS at higher resolutions. Along a wooded trail, the EIS introduces a lot of wobble with the resulting video from the Apeman and the GoPro looks better even if it’s a bit jerky.

I tested the mics on this trail too. In the waterproof housing the mic is pretty much unusable. Here I’m using it in the included frame mounted to a GoPro grip. The frame has a cutout for the microphone. You can hear the microphone tests in the video.

It’s usable but the GoPro sounds better. For the best results I’d always recommend recording audio separately, and just using the built-in mic to sync up audio in post. I did test it with an external mic via a microUSB to 3.5mm adapter but that didn’t work.

Just walking with the camera in relatively bright conditions the video quality looked good, even under closer scrutiny. In these brighter conditions it even compared favourably to the GoPro Hero 8. Automatic white balance did a good job and the colours looked accurate.

As a final video test, I recorded a clip in the evening with just street lighting. This was too much for the Apeman. The GoPro 5 fared a little better and the iPhone 11 was the clear winner.

Battery life is quoted at 60 minutes in 4K and 120 minutes at 1080P which I found about right. This is comparable to my GoPro cameras but at least the Apeman comes with a spare battery. You have to charge the batteries in the camera – there’s no external charger and you can’t use a GoPro USB charger. Charging the 1350mAh batteries takes up to 3 hours charging at around 0.5A.

The 5cm IPS screen is quite usable even in brighter conditions, but it’s not touch screen which would be handy for changing settings. With the waterproof housing, you need a very firm press on the buttons to activate them. It’s easy to think you’ve started recording when you haven’t and vice versa.

I would like to start seeing these cheaper action cameras being waterproof without any housing like GoPro have been doing for over 3 years now. But it’s not too inconvenient using the waterproof housing, and it does make the camera more robust overall.

The IPS screen is more than acceptable and generally bright enough outdoors, but I would have liked a touch screen at this price and I did find the menu system a little slow and clumsy to use.

But if you’re happy to shoot at lower resolutions there are many even cheaper options available, including a few in Apeman’s own range and even the Akaso EK7000 I reviewed last year. And there’s always the option of picking up a second hand GoPro if you can find a good deal.